I Became A Flashing Genius At The Magic Academy - Chapter 102

Earth, too, had its share of superstitions. Yet, in the absence of mana, most remained nothing more than idle beliefs.

However, the superstitions in the Aether World were different.

Though their magical foundations defied scientific explanation, the presence of mana granted many of them observable effects.

Hae Tae-Ryeong took it upon himself to thoroughly study and compile those mystical arts into a book.

Qi, split into yin and yang, was the life force that flowed through all things. Despite being opposites, yin and yang existed in a delicate balance, circulating endlessly to form boundless energy… energy that came to be known as mana.

Mages who drew in mana did not follow the natural laws of the world. Their hearts served as a core, and within them, a small vessel channeled this energy. Yet, Tae-Ryeong’s godly technique was different. Rather than relying on the self as a focal point, it dictated that mana should flow in harmony with nature itself.

Qi was divided into five categories: wood, fire, metal, water, and earth. These were collectively called the five elements.

The manual explained this concept in detail. At its heart, it taught a unique breathing method that blended superstition with magic.

Baek Yu-Seol found the teachings difficult to fully comprehend.

Truth be told, his intellect was nothing extraordinary.

Still, he resolved to follow the manual’s instructions without question.

At first glance, it appeared simple. It was just an ordinary breathing technique, right?

Yet, it was anything but easy.

Every breath demanded intense focus, vivid imagination, and the careful release of energy… all while aligning with the essence of nature.

So he spent an entire day repeating these intricate movements.

He etched strange symbols into the earth, contorted his body into poses akin to yoga, and experimented with a myriad of bizarre techniques.

After a sleepless night...

[The skill 'Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique' has been acquired.]

At last, the breathing method had solidified into a recognized skill.

Such occurrences weren’t entirely unfamiliar from his gaming days, but this marked the first time it happened in reality.

[A self-registered skill can be further researched to enhance or refine its power.]

[The skill 'Breath of the Spirit' is now considered a sub-skill of 'Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique.']

[The skill 'Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique’ has been strengthened.]

['Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique.’]

[Harmonize breath with the principles of yin and yang and the five elements for communion with nature's essence.]

[Using this skill enhances the circulation of mana through the bloodstream, with proficiency amplifying its effects.]

[Environmental factors allow mana to adopt the attributes of the five elements.]

['Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique’ also resonates with other breathing techniques, attuning to the mysteries of yin and yang.]

[Breath of the Spirit Lv.1]

This was the effect of [Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique].

While no immediate increase in stats was visible, the rate of mana circulation in his bloodstream directly influenced his overall abilities and attack power.

Up until that point, improving that circulation rate had been an arduous and draining endeavor.

No breathing technique had ever been able to achieve such results.

There had to be a reason for this.

He couldn’t help but marvel at the wisdom of the ancestors. How had they conceived such intricate and profound concepts?

[Breath of the Spirit] was now registered as a sub-skill of [Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique], and its effects had been greatly enhanced.

When he attempted to use the standard [Breath of the Spirit], he unconsciously shifted to Tae-Ryeong’s elaborate and methodical breathing method.

It was quite challenging at first.

Additionally, it seemed that the [Breath of the Spirit] itself had a remarkable effect on increasing the circulation of mana in his bloodstream.

If utilized carefully, it had the potential to produce exceptional results.

However, due to complications related to his affinity with familiars, he needed to limit its use.

Regardless, he successfully acquired the skill and immediately decided to try using [Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique].

Of course, it wasn't as simple as shouting, “Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique, activate!”

With his current level of focus, he had to remain completely still, concentrating for several minutes before the technique barely began to take effect.

[Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique]

After nearly ten minutes of intense concentration, the skill finally activated.

He checked the level of mana leakage delay.

[Mana Leakage Delay Lv.3]

• Strength: 08% (+17%)
• Agility: 12% (+29%)
• Sensitivity: 20% (+25%)
• Sixth Sense: Activated by consuming the user's mental strength, it detects mana phenomena within a radius of 24 meters and activates cognitive acceleration. It automatically triggers if the user is in danger.
• 
  
• Mana Concentration: Condenses the inhaled mana into one place and releases it.]
• Blood Mana Circulation Rate: 3% (+6%)

‘Unbelievable.’

Even though he had only just begun, the improvement in his abilities was astounding.

He couldn't stop there.

Despite the pain wracking his lungs, and tears streaming down his cheeks, he didn't give up.

Activating the Teripon sword, he focused his intent.

[Mana Concentration]

His target was the Teripon blade clutched in his right hand.

In other words, he attempted to infuse the Teripon sword with concentrated mana.

It wasn’t easy, but it was possible.

Aether World's Baek Yu-Seol had fully accomplished this and was a genius in swordsmanship, capable of emitting sword qi with bare hands even without a mana sword.

Crick!

From the tip of the Teripon Sword, the shape of a sword began to manifest roughly, displaying a radiant afterglow, much like the last flame of a dying sun before flickering out.

"Kek, cough!"

The pain struck like lightning, blurring his consciousness for an instant.

Gasping for breath, Baek Yu-Seol clutched his chest in agony, his trembling hands letting the Teripon sword clatter to the ground.

He rolled on the floor while holding his neck. It seemed that using [Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique] and mana concentration at the same time was still too much for him.

And yet...

It wasn't impossible.

Although it required a high level of concentration to use [Tae-Ryeong's Godly Technique] and mana concentration simultaneously, with gradual practice, he would be able to use it freely.

There were no shortcuts on the path he was treading.

He could only move forward, step by step, walking the road paved by the wisdom of his senior.

"Haha."

As his vision dimmed and his consciousness slipped away, he realized just how far he had pushed himself.

‘Thank goodness it’s Saturday.’

"What the..." When he woke up, it was already Sunday evening.

***

The Elf King's abode, the White Castle, had been left empty and hidden within the flower-covered ancient mountain range for a considerable time.

Despite its strategic position within the fortress-like slopes, where most duties involving the World Tree and its familiars were conducted, there were countless tasks that still required attention.

Thus, appointing a regent to oversee the White Castle was an absolute necessity.

The King's advisor, High Elf Orenha.

Declared a high elf at the tender age of ten, Orenha possessed a brilliant mind and an astonishing aptitude for learning.

He immersed himself in a vast array of disciplines… magic, politics, diplomacy, alchemy, design, cooking, painting, music, magitech, security, and beyond.

Orenha's impressive array of qualifications made him a true elite among elites.

Although he was only 120 years old, his exceptional capabilities far surpassed anyone else at his young age, making his appointment as the king's regent a natural choice.

But behind the grandeur, a hidden truth lingered.

Orenha's incredible competence was merely the result of a small process he undertook to become the regent of the White Castle.

For her sake, he had been prepared to sacrifice everything.

His titles, his qualifications - even his identity - meant nothing in comparison.

"It's fortunate that you're here," Florin expressed, graciously serving tea to Orenha.

The curse's impact strictly forbade her from engaging in any outdoor activities, and she refrained from even showing her face to the students from Stella Academy.

Hearing her voice directly or simply breathing the same air as her carried grave risks.

However, Orenha was immune to her curse. He surpassed anyone else she knew in this aspect.

Despite hearing her voice countless times, his heart remained steadfast and unshaken.

‘Still, I cannot reveal my face to him....’

Orenha's appointment as the king's regent was not only due to his unmatched abilities but also because he was the only one able to share the same air and engage in direct conversations with her.

To Florin, he played the role of a stabilizer. These small moments of conversation brought joy to her life as she couldn't meet or talk to people freely.

But how could she ever know?

Orenha had been bound by Florin’s curse for years, the result of a single, seemingly trivial act of curiosity.

Florin usually remained hidden, safeguarding her presence and purity within the stronghold’s walls.

However, on one particular night when the moon rose, fate led to a complete break in the stronghold's main water pipe.

She had no choice but to secretly head to the lake for a bath.

That day, by the lakeside, Florin first removed only her mask, savoring the cool breeze on her face for a long time.

In a fleeting moment, she sensed a gaze directed at her and quickly stood up, on guard.

Fortunately - or so she thought - it was only a passing animal.

But Florin had been mistaken.

The true identity of that gaze was young Orenha's.

Drawn by whispers of her departure, he had ventured out, desperate for even the briefest glimpse of her.

[The Gaze from Beyond]

With the ability to see from a distance, he could easily recognize Florin’s face.

Careful and silent, he evaded notice each time her senses sharpened in suspicion.

Somehow, he began to steal secret glances at Florin’s face.

Orenha vividly remembered that day. Even on that chilly moonlit night, he couldn't tear his gaze away from her.

Her white hair resembled ice-covered mountains shimmering with an icy brilliance, and her eyes, like stars, were more enchanting than any in the world.

Since that day, he hadn't been able to forget her face for a single moment.

On occasion, she would tell Orenha almost out of habit.

"Anyone who sees my face will be cursed and die." 

At first, he didn't grasp the meaning, but now he understood.

The curse of falling in love just from looking at someone so beautiful. If that was a curse, then he too must have fallen under it. He couldn't control his wildly beating heart when he was in front of her.

But it was okay. The cure for lovesickness was simple. Lovesickness occured when one fell in love and the love couldn’t be fulfilled. If he could have her, then love sickness would no longer be an illness but rather a deep and profound love, wouldn't it? 

'A normal method won't work.'

He had already spent decades trying to win Florin's heart. She never saw him as a man. Now, his options were dwindling. There weren’t many paths left to take.

Even if the fairy forest were tainted with dark magic, even if the world tree were reduced to ashes, even if his kin all fell into corruption, it wouldn’t matter as long as he could get her to look at him. He was willing to do anything if it meant her loving him.

"You can attend the award ceremony this time."

"Yes, it's not a difficult task."

"Hoho, that's true. Unlike me, Orenha is adept even in public settings."

"You flatter me."

What kind of face was behind that mask? He burned with curiosity, longing to see her smile. He wanted to rip that mask away and behold the brilliance of her golden eyes.

"Are you alright?"

"Ah, it's nothing."

"Thank goodness. Well then, I shall take my leave now."

Already?

Opportunities to be alone with her were rare.

And yet, they had to part so soon.

Reluctant to let her go, Orenha reached out.

"Is there something urgent you need to attend to?"

"Ah... Yes. It's a personal matter. You don't need to worry about it,” Florin replied, her expression somber.

Leafanel had fallen into slumber, and the whereabouts of the young boy remained an unsolved mystery.

Thus, she had to return to the White Castle before dawn.

But her mind was restless, tangled with thoughts.

When would Leafanel awaken?

She wanted to be there at the right time.

And how could she uncover the boy's true identity?

It wasn’t her place to use the power of the World Tree for something so personal.

As Florin’s expression softened, Orenha thoughtfully stroked his chin.

'A personal matter, huh?'

He could sense her emotions shifting, and being sensitive to personal matters, he could make a reasonable guess about what it was.

Perhaps she was on the hunt for the divine slayer.

That was indeed an intriguing prospect for Orenha as well.

Frankly, whether it was Leafanel or any other who had been killed didn't matter much to him.

However, if he could just apprehend the divine slayer...

Would there be a hint of affection in the way Florin looked at him?

Of course, finding the elusive divine slayer, even for someone as skilled as Orenha, wouldn't be an easy task.

Pushing aside these idle thoughts, Orenha rose from his seat.

Stella Academy.

The idea of attending a human magic school felt tedious, but if it brought him closer to Florin, he would endure it.

“I’ll go.”